First in-depth map of 'forever chemicals' in the Finger Lakes created

What happened

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had just announced regulations to limit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—some of which have been linked to cancers and other negative health effects—in drinking water. In 2023, professor Damian Helbling was getting a lot of calls and emails from local residents. Ithacans and others in the region wanted to know about levels in the ponds, lakes, streams and creeks in their proverbial backyards.

Key facts

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had just — announced: regulations to limit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—some of which have been linked to cancers and other negative health effects—in drinking water